The only option a team has coming from a loss is to bounce back with a win. That is what the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws did and what the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons failed to do throughout the first round of the UAAP Season 80 Women’s Football Tournament.
Let Dimzon’s ladies bounced back from their narrow defeat at the hands of the DLSU Lady Archers with a come from behind 2-1 victory against the Lady Maroons, Saturday morning at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
“Disappointed pa rin una with regards sa officiating. Both teams are effected. Until now hindi pa rin nagbabago ang quality ng officiating natin. Affected both teams pati yung results,” ranted Dimzon after her team’s second win of its campaign.
Not even Christina De Los Reyes’ early goal from the spot unnerved the Lady Tamaraws. FEU goalkeeper Kim Parina fouled De Los Reyes beforehand which left referee John Michael Bolina no choice but to award the penalty.
Just like in their previous games this season, though, State U allowed FEU to get back into the game. The Lady Tamaraws clawed their way back into the game and had chance after chance. It was only in the last minute of first half stoppage time when FEU finally broke through after Rhescy Bejic turned her marker and shot past UP goalie Vanessa Estrada for the leveler.
“Mostly makikita mo na aggressive ang UP which is ayun ang nagkukulang sa amin, yung willingness na umatake, makakuha ng bola is kulang. Ayan ang nakikita kong problem ngayon sa team,” added Dimzon.
Bejic’s goal was just a sign of things to come for the Morayta school as the striker added to her tally with a header from a set-piece at the 53rd minute. The game then became a heated contest afterwards.
“Midfield player talaga yan. Cino-convert lang namin siya sa atake during nag 4-4-2 system kami. Pero yung strength niya is mas maganda ang gamit niya sa harapan kaysa sa midfield kapag dating sa striking ng bola,” explained Dimzon with regards to Bejic.
Three FEU players collided with Estrada and short scuffle ensued. Players from both sides were given yellow cards for their participation. That fracas wasn’t the only extracurricular activity in the period as FEU coach Let Dimzon was ejected by Bolina at the 73rd minute.
Dimzon, who was earlier cautioned for continuous complaining, was given her marching orders when she apparently banged the table of the fourth official. There was even an exchange of pleasantries between Dimzon and a UP fan when the latter came up to seat in the grand stand.
Nevertheless, Bejic’s double was enough for FEU to get their win of the season which puts them back on track for a finals ticket. On the other hand, State U was dealt its fourth loss of the season and a return to the Promised Land looks all the more unlikely for the Lady Maroons.
“For the second round, kailangan namin makuha yung mga games to be able be at the top two. Since the top two lang maglalaro sa finals, kailangan namin ma-secure yung lahat ng panalo for second round,” concluded Dimzon.
